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- Elizabeth (Liz) Mary Duval, Metis
< Back Elizabeth (Liz) Mary Duval Elizabeth (Liz) Mary Duval Metis Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Liz was born and raised in Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada. From a very early age her athletic prowess preceded her in all the sports she played. At the age of 10 years, she began playing ice hockey and at the time she was one of only two girls who were given permission to play with “the boys” in her local hockey association. Her hockey skills were above average and soon many people took notice of her exceptional play. While still in her teens she was selected by Hockey Ontario to compete in the 1988 Ontario Winter Games. After graduating from secondary school, she was recruited to play women’s varsity hockey for the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. Liz served as Captain for her final three years while also leading her team-mates in scoring for that same period. In the 1994-95* season, she led the Gryphons to the Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association Championship. Also in that year, and as the team’s MVP, she was a finalist for the University of Guelph’s Sportswoman of the Year. It’s also worthy to make note of the fact that Liz was selected as an OWIAA All-Star for each of her four years she suited up for the Gryphons. Upon graduation from university, Liz starred for the Mississauga Chiefs of the Central Ontario Women’s Hockey League from 1993 through to 2000. In 1996, she scored the overtime winning goal and led the Chiefs to capture the Ontario Senior AA hockey title. Liz finished her hockey career by playing professional women’s hockey in France. In 2016 the 1994-95 Gryphons women’s hockey team was inducted into the University of Guelph’s Sports Hall of Fame. <Back
- John Lyall, Kwakwaka’wakw
John Lyall Kwakwaka’wakw Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back John Lyall is a proud husband and father of three daughters, is a Kwakwaka’wakw artist and an enthusiastic sportsperson. His Kwakwala name is Mupenkin of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation of Vancouver Island in BC. Lyall has been a lifelong rugby player, coach and now administrator, playing for the Velox Valhallians (Westshore), University of Victoria Vikes, Vancouver Island Crimson Tide and the Canadian Classics. He has been lucky to have played against and with some of Canada’s best. Lyall is currently the president of the Vancouver Island Rugby Union (2014 – present). Thunder Rugby was formed in 2013 under the direction of Lyall, Directors Phil Mack (Toquaht), Bobby Ross (Songhees), and Mark Bryant. Thunder Rugby’s goals are: To promote the game of rugby to Indigenous athletes and communities throughout Canada • To promote core values of rugby of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship; • To have Indigenous culture play a greater role in the development of rugby in Canada; and, • To identify potential high-performance Indigenous athletes that could one day represent BC and Canada. Rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, and sportsmanship resonate with those of Indigenous communities; they are also traits that defined Lyall as a young man and player throughout his life, and now as coach and leader. Thunder Rugby has undertaken the responsibility of touring to California in August of 2022 and New Zealand in August 2023. These have been enormous and rewarding undertakings. Thunder Rugby used the “Four R’s of Indigenous Ways of Knowing” to guide us on our tours including: Respect to yourself and the Thunder program; Responsibility to your school, your community and your ancestors; Relationships and positive relationships with your coaches, your teammates, and your opposition; and finally, Resiliency: you need to find that well of inner strength to tour and play rugby, you have to be brave to play rugby, and that is what Thunder asked our youth to be. Lyall has been very fortunate to have the opportunity to play and lead in this great sport. For him, it has been a brotherhood for life; it is the embodiment of the Kwakwaka’wakw philosophy of “Num’way’ut, or We are All One”.
- Craig Berube | NAIAHF
Craig Berube Category Coach Tribe Cree Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 12/17/1965 Craig Berube is the head coach of the National Hockey Leagues (NHL) St. Louis Blues. Since taking over the team during the 2018-19 season, the team was in last place and then led the team to a 38-19-6 record. One of the biggest turnarounds in NHL history occurred and the St. Louis Blues finished as the first in franchise history the winners of the Stanley Cup. He originally joined the Blues as an associate head coach in 2017. Before joining the Blues, he served as the head coach of the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves. He played 17 seasons in the NHL in over 1000 games between 1986-2004 for the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders. Home 2027 Banquet 2027 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More
- Barry Powless, Onondaga
< Back Barry Powless Barry Powless Onondaga Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach 2023 Barry Powless is from the Onondaga Nation and is Eel clan. His elders told him Deyhontsigwa’ ehs (They bump hips) is a medicine game given to the people and played for the enjoyment of the Creator. In 1975, his senior year, he was a high school All American attackman and then played at Syracuse University. He played in two World Championship tournaments; 1980 World Box Lacrosse Championships, silver medal with Can Am Warriors and 1990 World Field Championships in Perth, Australia with the Iroquois Nationals. During his summers, he played box lacrosse at the amateur and professional levels throughout his career in the US and Canada. He was the first overall pick in 1991 with a professional Canadian-US indoor lacrosse league (National Lacrosse League). He received his first pro title, Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL) World Championship, when playing for the Buffalo Bandits in 1992. Barry received multiple league awards for being a High Scorer, MVP, Most Sportsman award, all-star teams, 1978 Cornwall Ontario Lions Club Player of the Year, and 1981 President’s Cup tournament MVP. He won three Canadian National Championships, one Mann Cup and two Presidents Cups. He participated in ten Canadian Championship tournaments and won six British Columbia Provincial Championships. He played senior lacrosse for four decades starting in the 1970’s and retired at age fifty. He was a head coach at the high school, senior, and professional level. He earned his second pro title in 1997 when leading the Rochester Knighthawks to the MILL World Championship and was the first Indigenous head coach to win a world title. Barry also was the VP of Lacrosse Operations for the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and currently is an executive host at Seneca Niagara Casino. Barry is honored, proud and humbled to now be inducted into seven Hall of Fames with those who also played the Creator’s game including 1999 Ontario Lacrosse, 2013 Greater Syracuse Sports, 2015 US Lacrosse Upstate NY Chapter, 2016 LaFayette Central School Sports, 2018 Akwesasne Lacrosse, 2021 Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame - Team Category, and the 2023 North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame. <Back
- Kyle Ḵaayák’w Worl | NAIAHF
Kyle Ḵaayák’w Worl Category Athlete Tribe Tlingit, Deg Hit’an Athabascan and Yup'ik Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 3/16/1991 Kyle Ḵaayák’w Worl is an award-winning Arctic Sports athlete and coach currently residing in Juneau, Alaska. Worl is Tlingit of the Lukaax̱.ádi clan, Deg Hit’an Athabascan and Yup'ik. Over his 13 year career in the sport he has won over 100 medals, traveling through Alaska, Canada and Greenland to participate in various competitions. He is credited for spurring a renaissance in Arctic Sports in southeast Alaska as the first coach for Juneau in over 25 years to bring a team to the Native Youth Olympics in 2018. Along with training and coaching year-round in Alaska, Worl travels across the world to share Arctic Sports, including the Riddu Riddu Festival in Norway, Orenda Art International Gallery in Paris, and Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Currently, Worl works with the Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska as the Wellness Coordinator, overseeing a region-wide Traditional Games program. A few of his accolades include being featured in October 2019 Men’s Health Magazine; 2018 & 2019 NYO Games Alaska Healthy Coach Award; 2021, 2018, 2017 & 2016 World Eskimo Indian Olympics Outstanding Athlete Award. Arctic Sports are a collection of Indigenous games based on hunting and survival skills of the north. The games trained both physical and mental abilities that allowed the indigenous people of Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Chukotka to thrive in the Arctic for millennia. Today athletes from across the Arctic and beyond carry on the tradition of the games in events such as Native Youth Olympics, World Eskimo-Indian Olympic, and Arctic Winter Games. Photos: Nobu Koch, Sealaska Heritage and Greg Lincoln, Delta Discovery. Home 2027 Banquet 2027 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More
- Dano Thorne | NAIAHF
Dano Thorne Category Coach Tribe Coast Salish Cowichan and Nez Perce Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 12/18/1961 A First Nations life-long advocate for sport, recreation, youth, and sport from grassroots to international level. A national level coach and coach instructor and founding member national aboriginal coaching modules the first master coach in this program, instructor in national coaching certification program, life skills coach mentor, suicide prevention mentor, physical literacy and multi-sport mentor, technical advisor to national and provincial sports groups and technical advisor and interim board member of world games movement. A lifetime professional commitment to create and develop sports and recreation for youth across North America. As an athlete, Indigenous Team Canada Indoor Soccer 1989-1998, Pro Soccer 1986-1988, Premier League Men’s Soccer 1979-1999, Duncan United Indigenous Men Provincial Champions and numerous MVP honors, and British Columbia (BC) Champions in 1990 and 1991. As a head coach, men’s teams won BC Champions 3 times in 1990, 1991, and 2001 and women in 1992. Men national runner-up 2001, women world champions 2015, 2017, Cuba U20 2019 and women North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) champions in 1993 and 1995. As an advocate and leader including being a board member, NAIG Council, Aboriginal Sport Circle, Team BC chef de mission, Special Olympics North America, National Indigenous Physical Activity Cultural Circle, founder NIFA Soccer Society, member of national sports committee appointed by sport minister and numerous other committees. Awards and honors include five-time BC Coaching Awards, three-time National Coach Awards, first ever Indigenous National Coach of the Year 1999. Graduate National Coaching Institute 1995 and presently completing the Canada Sport Institute Master Coaching Diploma. A two time athlete of the year as Cowichan Tribes Athlete in 1976 and 1979. With his 2015 team world champions he was inducted into the BC Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021. Dano has holistic approaches and remembers his cultural teachings of his family and elders. He is recognized for humility and integrity, respect of diversity and working for all people of indigenous ancestry and beyond. Believe who you are and live your dreams to all youth. Dano has been walking the red road for 33 years and enjoys his life daily. Has a strong spiritual belief with the Creator. Home 2027 Banquet 2027 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More
- Eden Wilson, Métis
< Back Eden Wilson Eden Wilson Métis Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Eden Wilson is a Canadian bobsleigh athlete from mixed ethnic parentage, of Black, European and Indigenous ancestry. Although born in Manitoba, Eden grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where she attended Mount Royal University and received a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management in 2019. Eden earned her spot on the Canadian National Bobsleigh Team in 2020 and has competed in both the pilot and brakeman positions. Over the past six years, Eden has competed in numerous race circuits each year including North American Cups, (a 4x Gold Medalist, 6x Silver and 6x Bronze Medalist), Pan-American Cup Championship (Silver Medalist), the Europe Cup in Germany and Austria and the World Cup in Lillehammer. Eden continues to race on the World Cup Competition circuit again in the 2025/26 season in Italy, Austria, Germany, Norway and Latvia, as she accelerates towards her goal of representing Canada at the 2026 Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy. Off the ice, Eden combines her passion for athletic excellence with a deep commitment to community empowerment. She actively supports youth development through her full-time work with the non-profit organization, KidSport, helping to remove financial barriers enabling children to experience the benefits of organized sport. As a Classroom Champions mentor, Eden shares her journey and life lessons with students across Canada, encouraging them to set goals, stay active and believe in their potential. Since 2021, as an RBC Olympian Ambassador, Eden’s travels throughout Canada attending speaking engagements as keynote, motivational and guest speaker where she advocates for inclusive and fair opportunity in Sport for Indigenous Athletes. In addition, she also visits remote communities throughout Canada including Alberta, BC, northern Manitoba and the NWTs through RBC Training Ground to find athletic potential in young individuals who would otherwise not have the same access to participate. Driven by her heritage and the power of sport to unite and uplift, Eden continues to be a role model for Indigenous youth and a champion for inclusive opportunities in athletics. <Back
- 1999 Iroquois Nationals
1999 Iroquois Nationals Team 2022 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back In the summer of 1999, the Iroquois Nationals participated in the U19 World Lacrosse Games in Adelaide, Australia. It was a privilege to represent my community, Akwesasne, as well as the Iroquois Nationals on the world platform playing Tewa’a:raton or lacrosse. Drew Bucktooth, Delby Powless and myself were co-captains and it was a great honor not only to help lead the incredible talent that was comprised of our team, but to also stand alongside players who I have incredible respect for on the lacrosse field. As young men, this was the first time for many of us to be able to participate in playing the game we love, the gift from the Creator, on the international level. That year we brought home the bronze, and a big component of that was the amazing coaching staff from some of the greatest in the game, along with the natural talent that the team was comprised of. This is evident as many of the players from that team went on to have successful and long careers in lacrosse on a professional level. While in Australia, we were truly overwhelmed at the amount of support we received from many of the teams across the world, but particularly the Australian Aboriginal community. This is just a prime example of how lacrosse can truly unify people; regardless if it is between neighbors playing the game together or people who live on opposite sides of the world and have entirely different cultures. I am forever thankful for my experience that I had participating in the games and the lifelong friendships that were forged. Nia:wen to all that continue to support our young Onkwehonwe lacrosse players. I am so proud of how much the game has grown and the amazing talent that is on display from our people. I am confident that one day the Iroquois Nationals will bring home the gold to our people and the entire world will recognize the original creators of the medicine game.
- Dr. Rosalin Miles, Lytton First Nation
Dr. Rosalin Miles Lytton First Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Dr. Rosalin Miles is a member of the Lytton First Nation and is known in her native language as Maaj meaning "first light of day". She is a pivotal figure in advancing Indigenous sports on both national and international stages as the Founder and Executive Director of the Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural Circle (IPACC). Miles organized 10 National Indigenous Physical Activity and Wellness Conferences, and 11 Active Spirit Walk and Runs. These events have fostered a robust network for Indigenous athletes and sports enthusiasts, promoting cultural exchange and athletic excellence. Recognized by the House of Commons and honored with Vancouver Quadra’s Hidden Hero Award, Miles’ dedication to IPACC underscores her commitment to elevating the profile of Indigenous sports. Her role at the University of British Columbia (UBC) as a Research Associate and Indigenous Scholar in the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology program further amplified this commitment. Miles earned her Master’s degree in Human Kinetics and became the first First Nations kinesiologist. Miles’ Master’s degree expertise, particularly in the physiological and psychological aspects of soccer, benefited teams like the UBC women’s soccer team where she worked as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for their women’s soccer team. She received the UBC Alumni Award for Volunteer Leadership, and the Robert Small Boy Award “Heroes of Our Time” Scholarships from the Assembly of First Nations. As a Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in British Columbia and Florida, Miles played a critical role in supporting CSCS accreditation recognized by the NSCA Bronze Award. Her doctoral studies at UCF in Education, combined with her Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management provided her skills to lead and inspire in the field of sports management and education. Miles’ experience as a strength and conditioning coach at UCF, and later at University High School in Florida, where she broke barriers as one of the first female Indigenous football coaches in Florida, highlighted her pioneering spirit. She also received the NSCA High School Professional of the Year for the United States. At the University of Arizona she worked with the men’s baseball and women’s volleyball teams, and volunteered with Olympic and professional athletes. Miles competed in softball in Japan, as a champion in BC and National powerlifting, and as a fitness competitor at both the USA and World Nova Fitness challenges. Dr. Rosalin Miles work has enhanced the visibility and success of Indigenous coaches, athletes, and researchers, and has also forged lasting connections and opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding in the world of sports.
- Lloyd M. Powless, Oneida
< Back Lloyd M. Powless Lloyd M. Powless Oneida Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Lloyd Powless was born on February 9, 1940 on the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. His father was Merville Powless from the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His mother, Adeline Powless, was a nurse from Minnesota of German heritage. Lloyd was athletically talented and he played high school football in Rock Island, Illinois. As a senior in 1956 he received Illinois All-State Football honors as a defensive linebacker. He was recruited to attend several NCAA Division 1 universities on a football scholarship. He accepted the Big 10’s Northwestern University’s offer. After the first year at Northwestern, he transferred to Augustana College at Rock Island, Illinois. At Augustana College, Lloyd became an outstanding middle-linebacker. He played three years for Augustana and received honors of All-Conference first team and “Little All-American” in 1963 as a middle linebacker. Years later Lloyd was inducted into the Augustana College Hall of Fame. At the end of his college football career in 1963, he was drafted into the National Football League (NFL) as the 17th draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams. He participated in three different training camps with the Los Angeles Rams, the Denver Broncos, and the San Diego Charger but did not go further. Lloyd Powless’ life after football included working one year for Standard Oil and John Deere Company for 25 years. He has a son and a daughter who are both college graduates. His wife, an Augustana College graduate, and he are retired and live in Florida. <Back
- Alfred Jacques, Onondaga
Alfred Jacques Onondaga Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Alfred “Alfie” Jacques, the legendary Onondaga Nation and Turtle clan stickmaker handcrafted more than 80,000 wooden lacrosse sticks during his lifetime. His Onondaga name was Ganoñhsahgaeoñh. There are stories of Alfie and his dad Lou beginning the stickmaking making process and including the traditions in their work. A 1999 Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Famer, Jacques played junior, senior and professional lacrosse in the 1960s and 1970s. He played nearly every position in box and field lacrosse and was a goalie for the 1974 Syracuse Stingers during their one season in the National Lacrosse League. Jacques also coached and served as general manager for the Onondaga Red Hawks, leading them to a Presidents Cup championship in 2010. He was honored with the 15th Spirit of the Tewaaraton Award. His sticks are on exhibit at the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum at USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. Jacques also was enshrined by the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Upstate New York Chapter of USA Lacrosse, now the Upstate Lacrosse Foundation, into its hall of fame in 2014. Jacques was the coach and general manager for the Onondaga Redhawks and he led the team to three Presidents Cup championship appearances in addition to winning a championship in his final season in 2010 with a 13-1 record. Jacques has had several YouTube videos featuring him and his work. These are a few: Alf Jacques / The Stickmaker / US Lacrosse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKb1rArGurA&t=16s and, How Native American Lacrosse Sticks are Carved From Hickory Wood / Still Standing / Insider Business - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_USWpG9xKUg Jacques died at the age of 74 on June 14, 2023. Note: 2023 NAIAHF inductee Barry Powless provided the artwork of Alfie Jacques. He said Alfie gave him a picture of his dad Lou when they visited and he included Lou in the artwork.
- A-Tsi-La “G” McIntosh , Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Yuchi
< Back A-Tsi-La “G” McIntosh A-Tsi-La “G” McIntosh Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Yuchi Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 A-Tsi-La “G” McIntosh had been wrestling since the age of five and quickly became one of the most accomplished young wrestlers in the country. A six-time State Champion, “G” was also a United States Junior Open Champion, a two-time Adidas Wrestling Nationals Champion, and a three-time All-American at Adidas Nationals. Known for his dominance on the mat, he was named “Outstanding Wrestler” at multiple tournaments and competed on numerous national dual teams alongside elite athletes from across the nation. “G” was a multi-style wrestler, holding state titles in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman — a rare and impressive achievement. He currently attends Glenpool Public Schools in Tulsa County, OK, where he balances academic life with a demanding training schedule. “G” is a dedicated student and plans to continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level, with hopes of one day coaching or mentoring the next generation of Native youth athletes. Proud of his Indigenous heritage, “G” represents the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Yuchi Tribe. Raised in ceremonial culture since birth, he comes from the Yuchi Polecat Ceremonial Grounds in Kellyville, Oklahoma — a place that remains central to his identity and spiritual foundation. Family and faith are core to “G”’s life. He comes from a large, close-knit, and supportive family that has been a constant presence throughout his athletic journey. He believes deeply in staying grounded, not just as a competitor, but as a person. “G” also values balance. Outside of wrestling, he enjoys being outdoors — whether it’s around a campfire, in the woods, or simply surrounded by family and nature. This time helps him reset and stay centered amid the pressures of high-level competition. While he trains with relentless discipline and pushes himself to elite levels, “G” knows being a true champion means more than winning — it’s about mindset, humility, and knowing who you are. Champions are built through consistency — in every part of life. Whether it’s training, school, or family. Staying consistent builds confidence, and confidence is the foundation of success on and off the mat. <Back








